Marc-Andre ter Stegen returns to Barcelona squad ahead of Copa del Rey final

The 32-year-old goalkeeper sustained a rupture to the patella tendon in his right knee during a LaLiga fixture in September. Early medical assessments suggested that he would miss the rest of the 2024â-25 campaign. However, following a successful rehabilitation process and a return to training in March, Ter Stegen has now been deemed fit for competitive action.

His return introduces a significant selection decision for head coach Xavi Hernandez as Barcelona prepare for the final stretch of a season still brimming with opportunity. While Ter Stegen's availability is a welcome development, it is unlikely he will start in Saturday's Clasico final in Seville, with Wojciech Szczesny expected to retain his place in the starting lineup.

Szczesny, a former Arsenal and Juventus goalkeeper, joined Barcelona on a short-term deal following Ter Stegen's injury. He quickly established himself as the first-choice keeper, displacing academy graduate Inaki Pena and delivering consistent performances in both domestic and European competitions.

Despite Ter Stegen's return to fitness, competition rules may limit his immediate involvement, particularly in the UEFA Champions League. Due to registration regulations, Szczesny was officially listed in Ter Stegen's place and, according to UEFA guidelines, cannot be replaced unless officially unregistered - a move that would require careful consideration from the club.

Since joining from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014 for 12 million poundss, Ter Stegen has been a central figure in Barcelona's modern era. He became the club's undisputed No. 1 in 2016 and has made over 400 appearances, contributing to five LaLiga titles, five Copa del Rey triumphs, and one UEFA Champions League victory.

The presence of two high-calibre goalkeepers heading into the season's decisive months presents both a challenge and a strategic advantage for Barcelona. With the Copa del Rey final, a tight LaLiga title race in which they currently lead Real Madrid by four points, and a Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan ahead, squad depth and experience will be vital.

While Szczesny remains the likely starter for the final in Seville, Ter Stegen's return adds depth and leadership to the squad at a crucial juncture - potentially bolstering Barcelona's bid for a historic treble.

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